The Accessible Technology Charter was formally launched on 24 November 2011, at an event celebrating the Business Disability Forum's 20th anniversary.
David Callaghan, Senior Vice President, Oracle UK, Ireland & Israel and Steve Lamey, Director-General of HM Revenue and Customs and former co-chair of the Technology Taskforce, introduced the Charter to some 400 guests from Business Disability Forum's corporate members.
The Charter's 17 launch signatories, all members of the Technology Taskforce, are:
- Accenture
- Alexander Mann
- Barclays
- BSkyB
- BT
- Bupa
- Cisco
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Ernst and Young
- Fujitsu
- GlaxoSmithKline
- HM Revenue and Customs
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Microlink
- Microsoft
- Oracle
- Sainsbury’s
The Charter was welcomed by Business Disability Forum’s CEO Susan Scott-Parker, who said: “[Business Disability Forum] is very proud of the 17 ‘launch signatories’ who as thought leaders have determined to reform this dysfunctional market place in such a practical and business oriented fashion. Global businesses need to get the most from the talent they employ, to improve productivity, increase their market-share and to increase profitability. Our Accessible Technology Charter heralds the start of a campaign to encourage every corporate user of technology to demonstrate their commitment to their disabled employees and customers, indeed to all their employees and customers, by signing. We are calling on the world’s leading businesses to join us and to make it easier for customers with disabilities to do business with them, and for employees to perform their best.”
It was also welcomed by Ed Vaizey MP, the UK's Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, who said: "As Minister responsible for eAccessibility, I'm delighted by the commitment the launch signatories have demonstrated, in signing up to this important initiative. The Charter is a practical way for leading businesses to show they respond to the needs of everyone who uses their technology, and to drive change in the technology market."
Since launch, we are delighted that more organisations have chosen to demonstrate their commitment to getting IT right for their colleagues, clients and customers. Further signatories include:
- AbilityNet
- de Poel
- Digital Accessibility Centre
- DiversityJobs.co.uk
- Hassell Inclusion
- Ministry of Defence
- Scope
- Serious Organised Crime Agency
We welcome their signature. If your organisation would like to explore signature but you need further information, please contact us at btat@efd.org.uk